A vision for exploration of the solar system in an Earth independent manner is presented taking into account key drivers, challenges, and future technological advances. This work was in response to requirements set by the NASA Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) office. Planetary targets, key assumptions, and approaches to utilizing non-terrestrial resources are presented. The mission was divided into four sprints. The first sprint aims at a settlement on Earth’s moon. The second sprint aims at establishing a Lagrangian point station near the Moon. The third sprint leads to the colonization of Mars and its moons. The fourth and final sprint investigated the exploration of Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. Bio-inspired approaches to technology and processes were considered to ensure that the in-space habitats are Earth like. The conclusion based on exploring the four sprints is that it is feasible to colonize the solar system without relying on Earth, but this relies on critical technology development and investments in emerging areas.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library 

A vision for exploration of the solar system in an Earth independent manner is presented taking into account key drivers, challenges, and future technological advances. This work was in response to requirements set by the NASA Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) office. Planetary targets, key assumptions, and approaches to utilizing non-terrestrial resources are presented. The mission was divided into four sprints. The first sprint aims at a settlement on Earth’s moon. The second sprint aims at establishing a Lagrangian point station near the Moon. The third sprint leads to the colonization of Mars and its moons. The fourth and final sprint investigated the exploration of Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. Bio-inspired approaches to technology and processes were considered to ensure that the in-space habitats are Earth like. The conclusion based on exploring the four sprints is that it is feasible to colonize the solar system without relying on Earth, but this relies on critical technology development and investments in emerging areas.

**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483374.056)** 

Massless Exploration - Humans as a Solar System Species

This conference brought the experience and knowledge of experts in the aerospace industry together to share and discuss the latest research and engineering techniques that effect the exploration and settlement of space. Presentations were made in multiple concurrent symposia over three days. Topics included: Granular materials in space exploration, exploration in utilization of extra-terrestrial bodies, advanced materials and designs for aerospace and terrestrial structures under extreme environment, structures in challenging environments, and space engineering, construction, and architecture for the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Due to challenges with COVID-19, this 17th Biennial was moved to April 2021 and was offered in a virtual format.

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/earthandspace2021)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63243a3fb7ff860013acd57f